Illustration of pelican with baby pelican.
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Eric Carle, Illustration for Animals Animals by Laura Whipple. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1989 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Birdwatching with Eric Carle

March 16 - August 25, 2024
West Gallery

In Eric Carle’s stories, birds soar across the sky, march through the snow, and wade in water. They embark on exciting adventures, like the rooster who goes off to see the world and the 10 little rubber ducks that float on ocean currents to faraway locations. Carle included birds in almost every book he created. In this exhibition, guests can delight in his colorful cast of avian friends from 28 publications. They’re displayed in different habitats—fanciful macaws in a tropical rain forest, arctic penguins on an iceberg, and clucking chickens in a backyard—demonstrating that birds of a feather really do flock together.   
 
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of the Hsin-Yi Foundation. 

What to Expect

Visitors will enjoy original artwork from 28 books, including preliminary sketches and linocuts. Also on view are Carle’s whimsical painted bird sculptures created in 1999. A comfortable reading area invites guests to “nest” with a good book, and gallery binoculars allow for a unique indoor birdwatching experience.

Illustration of flamingo standing in water.

Eric Carle, Illustration for Polar Bear, Polar Bear, What Do You Hear? by Bill Martin, Jr. Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1991 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Exhibition Highlights
Illustration of rooster next to rising sun.
Illustration of bird catching worm.
Illustration of various birds.
Sketch of a crane.
Illustration of a parrot.
Illustration of a parrot on tree branch.
Illustration of peacock and mouse.

Eric Carle, Illustration for Do You Want to be My Friend? Collection of Eric and Barbara Carle. © 1971 Penguin Random House LLC. 

Gallery Views
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.
Photograph of gallery showing framed art and graphics.

Featured Artists

Photograph of Eric Carle smiling.

Eric Carle

Eric Carle illustrated brilliant and innovatively designed picture books for children, including his most well-known title, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. In 2002, Carle and his wife, Barbara, co-founded The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

Artist website
Explore Further
Very colorful bird mobile in a tree in bobbie's meadow. Small owl bird mobile to the left of the other bird. purple and orange and yellow bright colors used.
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Everyday Art Project: Bird's Eye View

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Create your own mobile of floating characters!  

Child and adult seated at table with a stuffed elephant and dog, with green bushes with pink flowers behind them.
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Sharing Stories with Casey W. Robinson and Heidi E.Y. Stemple

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What can we learn from the special elders in our lives? 

Illustration of owl in tree under moonlight.
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Birds of Prey with Tom Ricardi

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Learn about the great work being done at the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Center.

American kestrel bird perched on a hand.
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Kestrels Close Up: Nest Box Project Talk & Walk

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Learn about about kestrels and the Kestrel Nest Box Project.